French Heavyweight Boxer Tony Yoka Invites DR Congo Superfan Lumumba To Attend Next Fight

French Heavyweight Boxer Tony Yoka Invites DR Congo Superfan Lumumba To Attend Next Fight

By Niyi Busari 

French heavyweight boxer Tony Yoka has extended a special invitation to prominent DR Congo national team supporter Lumumba to attend his next bout, pledging to cover all travel and accommodation expenses, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

Yoka, an Olympic gold medalist and one of France’s leading heavyweight contenders, said he wants Lumumba to be his guest at the upcoming fight and assured that the Congolese superfan would be well looked after.

The 33-year-old is currently targeting a high-profile clash in Paris and has identified British heavyweight Joe Joyce as his preferred opponent.

“In Paris, I would want a reputable opponent. For example, Joe Joyce,” Yoka told L’Equipe. “I’d like to face Joe Joyce in the spring to close the loop. He talks about it himself. He still contests his defeat against me in the 2016 Olympics final.”

Yoka and Joyce met in the super heavyweight final at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games, where the Frenchman secured gold with a victory over the Briton. However, their professional careers have since followed contrasting trajectories.

Yoka (15-3, 12 KOs) began his professional career in impressive fashion, recording 11 consecutive victories. His momentum slowed in 2022 when he suffered three narrow decision defeats to Martin Bakole, Carlos Takam and Ryad Merhy. Despite the setbacks, Yoka has rebuilt his form with four consecutive wins, most recently delivering a first-round knockout against Patrick Korte in Nigeria last month.

As he eyes a potential rematch with Joyce, Yoka appears equally focused on creating a memorable atmosphere — one that could now include a special guest from DR Congo ringside.